Rhetorical parallelism
Rhetorical parallelism (kesejajaran) is the practice of matching the grammatical form of items in a list or series. If you start a list with a verb using the meN- prefix, the other items in that list should usually also use the meN- prefix.
How It Works
Rhetorical parallelism is a hallmark of the Baku (standard) register. It serves three main purposes: clarity, rhythm, and emphasis.
There are three primary levels of parallelism in Malay:
- Morphological Parallelism: This involves matching prefixes and suffixes. For example, if the first verb is meN-...-kan, the subsequent verbs should follow that pattern rather than switching to a simple meN- or a peN-...-an noun.
- Syntactic Parallelism: This involves matching the 'voice' of the sentence. If the first clause uses the di- passive, the following clause should usually also be passive when it keeps the same subject. Voice can change when the subject changes.
- Logical Parallelism (Kesejajaran Makna): This ensures that all items in a list belong to the same logical category. For instance, a list of 'benefits' should not suddenly include a 'process' or an unrelated 'noun'.
This pattern is essential for writing effective sentences (Ayat Efektif) in academic essays, speeches, and official documents. While it may seem rigid, it prevents the 'clunky' feeling that occurs when a reader has to shift mental gears between different grammatical categories mid-sentence.
Examples (4)
- Kita harus memperkasa ekonomi, memperkukuh perpaduan, dan memperluas peluang pendidikan.
We must empower the economy, strengthen unity, and expand educational opportunities.
Word by Word: We must empower economy, strengthen unity, and expand opportunity education.
This example shows morphological parallelism using the memper- prefix across all three coordinated verbs to maintain a consistent formal tone.
- Bukan harta yang dicari, tetapi budi yang dinanti.
It is not wealth that is sought, but rather character that is awaited.
Word by Word: Not wealth which is-sought, but character which is-awaited.
This uses bukan ... tetapi ... with parallel di- passive verbs (dicari and dinanti) to create a balanced, rhythmic contrast.
- Hatinya hancur melihat penderitaan rakyat, lebur mengenangkan nasib watan.
His heart shattered seeing the people's suffering, melted remembering the fate of the motherland.
Word by Word: Heart-his shattered see suffering people, melted remember fate motherland.
A literary example where two clauses follow the exact same syntactic structure (Adjective + Verb Phrase) to build emotional momentum.
- Program ini bertujuan untuk mendidik remaja dan memupuk semangat patriotisme.
This program aims to educate teenagers and foster the spirit of patriotism.
Word by Word: Program this aim for educate teenagers and foster spirit patriotism.
Both verbs (mendidik and memupuk) use the meN- prefix, maintaining structural balance after the conjunction dan.
Common Mistakes
Mixing a verb form with a noun form in a coordinated list.
Hobi saya ialah membaca buku dan pendakian gunung.Hobi saya ialah membaca buku dan mendaki gunung.'Membaca' is a verb, while 'pendakian' is a noun. In formal Malay, you should use two verbs ('membaca' and 'mendaki') to maintain parallelism.
Thinking a change of voice is always wrong (the two sentences mean different things).
Ali menendang bola itu lalu ditangkap oleh penjaga gol.Ali menendang bola itu lalu menjaringkan gol.Both sentences are correct but say different things. In the first, the goalkeeper catches the ball; in the second, Ali scores. Voice may change when the subject changes. Keep one voice when the same subject does several actions in a row.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Parallel clause structure (rhetorical parallelism) is an advanced stylistic feature of formal Malay. To use it confidently, a learner must first be proficient in the core morphological systems (active meN- and passive di- prefixes) because parallelism typically requires matching these forms across clauses. Additionally, a firm grasp of basic coordination is necessary to link these symmetrical structures effectively.
- di-Basic Passive with Di-
Formal parallel structures frequently use matched passive voice constructions to maintain a consistent focus on the patient across multiple clauses.
Level 2 - danCoordination with Dan
Basic coordination is the fundamental building block for creating the linked clause structures used in rhetorical parallelism.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- meN-Active Transitive Verbs with MeN-
Consistency in using the meN- prefix across a series of actions is a primary requirement of morphological parallelism.
Level 2 - Rhetorical repetition
While parallelism repeats structures, controlled repetition repeats specific words; both are used together in high-level rhetoric.
Level 6 - bukan ... tetapi ...Not X but Y
This contrastive structure relies heavily on parallelism to highlight the difference between two balanced ideas.
Level 3 - memper-Causative or Degree with Memper-
Advanced prefixes like memper- are frequently used in parallel strings in formal speeches to create a sense of authority.
Level 4
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice Rhetorical parallelism in Bubblegum
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